Modular Crochet: The Revolutionary Method for Creating Custom-Designed Pullovers

By Judith Copeland

"Pullovers never go out of style, and some of the designs are truly beautiful, even today. The stitches are all basic, which makes the work go quickly. In the end, you are only limited by your own imagination. Highly recommended." — Any Good Book
Crocheting has never been faster and easier ― and the design possibilities have never been more exciting. This simple but innovative technique makes creating sophisticated-looking pullovers as easy as crocheting a scarf. All modular crochet garments are worked in the same basic shape, which consists of eight modules, or rectangles. You can make an infinite number of styles by varying the size of the rectangles, the type and color of yarn, and the stitches. What's more, you can customize each garment while it's being made for perfect-fit pullovers in any size, silhouette, and style ― and you'll never have to follow traditional written instructions again.
Nearly four decades after its initial publication, this guide remains among the most revolutionary and revered books on freeform and improvisational crochet. Even beginners can use its innovative method to make pullovers, turtlenecks, vests, ponchos, caftans, and other items. Easy-to-follow diagrams accompany each original design, in addition to 40 large full-color photos.
"One of my favorite craft books of all time! Teaches you the basic building blocks of crocheted apparel and shows you how easy it is to create your own patterns." — Tehanu's Books

• Language: English
• Publisher: Dover Publications
• Release date: May 26, 2015
• ISBN: 9780486805160

Book preview

Introduction

Modular Crochet is an exciting new method for making crocheted garments. It has been developed for people who would like to design their own pullovers but need a way of working that will help them understand the structure of a garment and how to assemble its various parts. In evolving the modular way of working we have done two things that make the task of working on your own easy and efficient. First, we have considered the garment to be composed of rectangles—one of the most elementary forms—and have joined these rectangles together as simply as possible. Second, we have done away with the usual figures and computing that confuse so many crocheters and teach you instead through photographs and diagrams how to make garments by working directly on the body. To sum up quickly, this is how Modular Crochet works: You work the garment vertically from a beginning center chain that is made to fit right to your body. The length of the chain depends on your size and the style of the garment. You then add the rectangles one at a time, on each side of the chain, by working right onto the existing pieces; and you also fit them right to your body. Because you are working vertically and from the center of the body out, you can try on the garment to check your progress every step of the way. This makes it extraordinarily easy to get a good custom fit—the main problem most people encounter when crocheting a garment. In Modular Crochet, since all garments in all styles are made from six or eight rectangles, which are joined together in the same way, you do not need the usual written instructions for each individual project. You can achieve tremendous variation in styling and silhouettes by making the rectangles different sizes or varying your choice of yarn, color, and stitch. The results are all kinds of pullovers that are quick and easy to make. Even the most timid crocheters will find the method simple. It is, of course, a perfect way to introduce beginners to the art of crocheting, for they can turn out a sophisticated garment on their first try. To work in the modular method all you need to know are:

a. How to make the chain stitch

b. How to make the three basic stitches: the single crochet, the half doublecrochet, and the double crochet

c. How to crochet back and forth in a straight line

To teach you how to work in the modular way there are five lessons with easy-to-follow, step-by-step photographs, diagrams, and explanations which tell you what to do in plain sentences, avoiding, whenever possible, the usual crochet abbreviations: Lesson 1 shows how all rectangles are joined for all garments. Lesson 2 shows how to alter rectangles 1 through 4 for the different neck styles. Lesson 3 tells how to read and use the diagrams. Lesson 4 tells how to work from the photographs and the diagrams so that you can duplicate the styles shown in the size you want. Also each project is based on a different theme to illustrate some of the ways in which the modular pullover can be modified for different effects and styles. Lesson 5 tells how to design and work on your own, and by the time you are done with this lesson you should be able to select any yarn and make a pullover in any size and style you wish.

About Stitches and Detailing tells you how to make the three ridge stitches, how to sew up seams, and how to work sleeves in the round. These fine points and other techniques described are of particular interest since good detailing is especially important in simple garments. About Yarn discusses the characteristics of the various fibers used and lists them in an easy referral chart. If you want to see how the yarns look made up consult the color photographs. You will note that the modular pullover can be transformed into a completely different garment simply by using a different yarn; each yarn creates a fabric that looks and behaves in its own special way. Garments made from rectangles can be as simple or as dramatic as you wish. For instance, the plain, unadorned rectangles, worked in the same yarn throughout and in neutral colors, make garments that are practical, comfortable, and easy to wear. The highly decorative rectangles, worked in a variety of yarns, colors, and stitches, or crocheted in a highly textured yarn such as a boucle, make fanciful vests, fringe-covered ponchos, and handsome turtlenecks. Rectangles tapered at one end, by combining short and long stitches in the same row, make more complex or shaped garments, such as the bloused and smocked silhouettes. These are just a few of the possibilities inherent in the modular approach; there are as many variations as there are crocheters. This way of working means simple shapes and simple construction, with easy-to-learn and easy-to-apply techniques. In essence, Modular Crochet has made two key decisions for you—the shapes of the individual pieces and how they are put together. The remaining decisions—the choice of the color and kind of yarn, the stitches, the size of the rectangles—offer you ample opportunity to arrive at a unique solution that reflects your personal taste.

Lesson 1

How to Make the Modular Pullover

In Modular Crochet all pullovers are made from six or eight rectangles (six if they are sleeveless, eight if they have sleeves), and, for all styles, the procedure for putting them together is exactly the same. This lesson shows how the rectangles are joined together. All garments made following this method are worked in the ridge stitch. The main instructions are for the double crochet ridge stitch (dcr) and the half double crochet ridge stitch (hdcr); and the procedure is the same for both stitches. When working in the single crochet ridge stitch (scr), the number in the parentheses (x) tells you what to do. If you have any questions about abbreviations, stitches, detailing, consult the section About Stitches and Detailing. In our instructions you will note that there are no measurements or numbers of stitches given. This is because in Modular Crochet we have done away with gauge and measuring in the usual sense and teach you through photographs and diagrams how to work directly on your body. In this lesson the photographs will be your primary guide. To work from them, note in each step where and how the beginning chain and the rectangles of the garment fall on the body. Then work your beginning center chain and all subsequent rectangles so that they fall on the same places on your body. The text tells how many chains to turn and how to join the rectangles. That is all that you have to keep in mind, aside from being sure that the fabric is worked at the right tension. It is best to work each set of rectangles simultaneously (rectangles 1 through 4—center front and back, rectangles 5 and 6—sides, rectangles 7 and 8—sleeves). To do this, work rectangle 1 close to the width you think you want, then work rectangle 2 to the same width. Hold the piece up to your body. If you need more width, add a row at a time on each side until you get the desired width. Then work rectangles 3 and 4 to the same size. Crochet the other two sets (sides and sleeves) in the same way. Working in this way you can easily

Reviews for Modular Crochet

[aulsmith · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

If you're new to crochet you might want to practice rectangles first. I dove in and made the pancho in this book as my first ever crochet project. Now I have a really funky, asymetrical throw with a hole in the middle. But this book does have some really cool stuff that is straight-forward to make. Some of the styles are a little dated, but many are timeless.